Well, I turned 25. Me and the people near and dear to my heart celebrated at Aussie Rules- a dueling piano bar. I had a blast, dancing on the tables and acting a fool. Hey- just cuz I'm old doesn't mean I can't have fun.
I was so fortunate to attend EFY training in Provo from May 22-June 1st. To say it was incredible is just an understatement. Have you ever met someone and just known you were supposed to meet them. That you were supposed to cross paths with them. That for sure happened for me on this trip. To you wonderful, beautiful people- thank you. THANK YOU!!!! You showed me what it was like to just jump and fall. To remember why we do what we do. It wasn't something I felt i was even missing in my life- but you made me realize it's something to NEVER live without. SO thankful for the unexpected paths we take in this life.
In other news- I recently got diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Weird right. I felt that that was something only those who had severe things happen to them. You know, like army guys and people who experienced horrific traumatic things-much like the youth I work with. Turns out working with people who have those experiences can be just as traumatic for me. Having to hear over and over and over again the horrific things these youth go through is enough to make you loose faith in mankind. For those that don't know what I do for a living let me tell you. I work with high risk youth. I am a child and youth care counselor. I work for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary specializing in a PSECA (protection of sexually exploited children act) program.
Ed Sheeran - The A Team
The girls that I work with we're either in prostitution (forced or voluntary) or were being exploited in some other way. ALL the youth I work with have a drug and/or alcohol problem, have a broken family life and have been trying to survive in this world since a very young age. None of them asked for this life. All of them have turned down this road for survival. I have worked with girls who's parents put them in prostitution before the age of 10, I worked with a young boy who's own mother put him in prostitution since he was 2 years old. I have worked with girls who have sold drugs, beat up people to near death, been in gangs, stolen, been to jail, been pimps and so much more. Yet these youth have also gone back to school, received their high school diploma, gotten a job, reconnected with estranged family members, created families of their own, believed, laughed, loved, youth who have pushed boundaries and come out on top. The reason I explain this to you is because maybe now you can understand why I have PTSD. I have heard their stories. I have watched them relive the devastating events that occurred in their young lives. It was tough. It is tough. There have been a few instances when they have taken these events and feelings out on me. Nothing like being on Police watch for 72 hours because a youth wants you dead (transference of anger) due to no fault of your own. (and believe me- this was a youth who WOULD follow through). It's been a scary career to be a part of. An AMAZING career, but it does have its scary days.
It all started when my boss noticed I wasn't being myself. I had recently been dealing with a youth who really got under my skin. Who tried to punch me and followed me. Who with one phrase could make my skin crawl and my stomach churn. Gah. Even thinking about it her can make me shudder. Thankfully with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary they have trained people to speak to about this type of thing. It started with vicarious trauma - this is where the youth are telling you all the instances, you are reading reports and you start to feel like you've lived it. It sucks. I started seeing this wonderful woman a few times a month to discuss the things I have seen and heard. Even though admitting that sometimes you need help sucks- I'm glad I had a boss who watched my back. Who could tell when I was burning out. It's gonna be a journey but dealing with PTSD is.
Okay-enough with the sad stuff cuz there is a happy ending. Working front line in my job has it's up and downs (clearly) BUT!!!! Starting July 15th my new promotion sets in. Ladies and Gents you are looking at the new Centralized Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary. This position is me training those coming into the front line work. I will be hiring, training, scheduling etc for 5 different group homes. I have about 30 youth workers in my department who I am responsible for. Woot Woot! So great to know that my boss's have faith in my to take on this responsibility and I can not wait to get started :) ps. The pay raise is also pretty awesome!
Wow- are you still reading? Good for you!
Summer is finally hear and I for one am loving it. Alberta recently had a devastating flood leaving 1000's of people homeless and with out anything but the clothes on their backs. Doesn't seem real. I got evacuated with my family from our homes- living on Fish Creek Park doesn't help when there is a flood. I was so thankful for my friends who opened their homes up to us. We were lucky- our homes didn't get touched. Sadly not everyone was so lucky. Thankfully people have been so selfless and are helping out at every chance they get. I am so excited to go out to High River tomorrow to help those in need. Nothing like mother nature to remind us of how human we are. Thank you to the amazing volunteers who have put in the hours, blood, sweat, pulled muscles and hard work into helping those in need. You amaze me :)
Stay Calgary Strong :) Paul Brandt - Alberta Bound
Along with zoo trips, so beautiful weddings, a letter to Hogwarts (yes it finally came!!!!! I knew it!!!) fun with the family, my nephew Michael going on a mission and so many more things there is just not enough time to write right now. So please enjoy some photos....be warned. There are a lot!!! But heck- you've stuck around reading this long. Might as well enjoy some photos!
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